Explain the findings of, and evaluate Bandura's bobo doll studies.

Bandura found that children who had observed an aggresive role model hitting and punching a bobo doll were more likely to imitate the exact aggressive acts on the doll that they had seen. This was compared to a control group who had observed no aggression and showed no aggression towards the doll.These lab experiments can be used to provide SUPPORT for the social learning theory idea that children can learn aggression through observation and imitation. HOWEVER, the research is very short term and contrived making it artificial and unrealistic, which leads us to question the reliability and validity of the research. The doll lacks mundane realism (ie it can not be generalised to the real world), and it doesn't represent everyday aggression. There are also ethical concerns with the study as the children involved were taught aggressive behaviours.

Answered by Olivia S. Psychology tutor

13772 Views

See similar Psychology A Level tutors

Related Psychology A Level answers

All answers ▸

What is the difference between classical and operant conditioning? Give an example of each.


Observe the following set of data points: [1 2 2 2 3 4 8 9 9 10 10 12]. What is the mean and standard deviation of this data? Are the mean and standard deviation a good summary of the distribution, and why? Calculator allowed.


How does Synaptic Transmission work?


Describe the effects of institutionalisation. Refer to Romanian orphan studies in your answer [6]


We're here to help

contact us iconContact usWhatsapp logoMessage us on Whatsapptelephone icon+44 (0) 203 773 6020
Facebook logoInstagram logoLinkedIn logo

© MyTutorWeb Ltd 2013–2024

Terms & Conditions|Privacy Policy
Cookie Preferences